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Press Release

ADL: Bus Bombing Targeting Israeli Tourists In Bulgaria Should Be Investigated As Act Of International Terrorism

New York, NY, July 18, 2012 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today strongly condemned the apparent terrorist attack targeting a busload of Israeli tourists in Bulgaria, which killed at least six people and wounded two dozen more. The League called on the international community to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.

The fact that the attack coincides with the 18th anniversary of the terrorist bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires on July 18, 1994, in which 85 people were killed in a plot masterminded by Iran and Hezbollah, "should give pause, and we hope the incident will be treated seriously as a potential act of international terrorism," the League said in a statement.

"Once again, Israelis abroad have been targeted by terrorists," said Robert G. Sugarman, ADL National Chair, and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director. "While we do not yet know who is responsible, the attack in Bulgaria serves as another reminder that terrorism against Israelis has no borders, and that terrorists will not miss an opportunity to seek out and kill Israeli or Jewish civilians in cold blood."

The ADL leaders added, "The very fact that Jews were targeted on the 18th anniversary of the AMIA bombing should be enough to give everyone in the international community pause. At a time when Israel's enemies have heightened their belligerence toward the Jewish state, every act of violence or attempted attack against Israelis should be investigated seriously as an act of international terrorism.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families."

As many as 27 passengers were hospitalized following the afternoon explosion aboard a tour bus at Sarafovo Airport in Burgas on the Black Sea Coast, a tourist destination popular with Israelis. Preliminary reports indicate the explosion may have involved a suicide bomber or an improvised explosive device hidden aboard the bus.

The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the world's leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry.